Abigail Tierney
Research expert covering U.S. politics and economics
Veterans in the U.S. - statistics & facts
A military veteran is a person who has served or is serving in the armed forces of a country. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were around almost 14 million veterans in the United States in 2024. A majority of those veterans are of the Vietnam War era, and are men over the age of 75. In U.S. society discourse, significant attention is paid to the lives of post-service military veterans, with particular attention paid to homelessness and healthcare. While progress has been made in improving post-service support for veterans, their socio-economic situation is sometimes seen in juxtaposition with a high cultural regard for the military as an institution and a belief in U.S. military supremacy.
In 2023, an estimated 76.5 percent of U.S. veteran and active service respondents indicated that they have experienced PTSD as a result of their military service. Additionally, one survey found that 44 percent of veterans considered taking their own lives after joining the military.
After the Second World War, access to higher education for veterans became available through the G.I. Bill, and these benefits continue to the present day. The economic success of post-WWII America is in part attributed to the G.I. Bill. In 2024, around 5.1 million veterans had obtained a Bachelor's degree or higher, with the majority of veterans living above the poverty line.
Health and illness among veterans
Military service can often result in health complications - both mental and physical. Around 4.9 million veterans hold service-connected disability status in the United States. The most commonly reported physical injuries from service include tinnitus, joint problems, and chronic pain. Trouble sleeping, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression were the most common mental health issues.In 2023, an estimated 76.5 percent of U.S. veteran and active service respondents indicated that they have experienced PTSD as a result of their military service. Additionally, one survey found that 44 percent of veterans considered taking their own lives after joining the military.
Benefits for Veterans
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) was created to provide life-long support to veterans through various forms. The VA had outlays amounting to around 325 billion dollars in 2024. As well as healthcare, veterans are also entitled to professional re-skilling, educational assistance, home loans and life insurance. In spite of this comprehensive benefit system, as well as progress over the last decade, there remains an over 35,000 homeless veterans in the U.S., with more than 10,000 in California alone. However, unemployment rates among veterans were lower than the U.S. average in 2024.After the Second World War, access to higher education for veterans became available through the G.I. Bill, and these benefits continue to the present day. The economic success of post-WWII America is in part attributed to the G.I. Bill. In 2024, around 5.1 million veterans had obtained a Bachelor's degree or higher, with the majority of veterans living above the poverty line.
